PBS KIDS Edcamp

PBS KIDS Edcamp Connects Teachers and FFNs

As the culminating event of the Learning Neighborhood, adults from both cohorts came together for a PBS KIDS Edcamp at KLRN. Edcamp, a participant-led conference, requires the audience to drive the content and conversation. There were two defining characteristics of the Learning Neighborhood's PBS KIDS Edcamp. First, the audience was a blend of professional educators and FFNs. Next, given the pilot, we expected the focus of many conversations to be social-emotional learning (SEL), and it was. Read on to learn more about the PBS KIDS Edcamp model, and how pilot participants responded to the day.

PBS KIDS Edcamp provides educators and caregivers – adults who work with children in schools, daycare centers or homes – with a space to share, collaborate and learn from each other. PBS KIDS Edcamp participants connect with educators facing similar challenges, learn new tips and share ideas.

What is PBS KIDS Edcamp?

The Edcamp model began as an idea and has transformed into a movement! From Philadelphia to Portland and in 40 countries around the globe, authentic professional learning is energizing educators! Participants will collaborate with others to create discussion sessions based on the interests of the people in the room.

The entire “un-conference” is personalized and learner driven with those in the room sharing their experience and expertise. Edcamp embraces the belief that fellow educators can be some of the most valuable professional development resources for their colleagues.

Using a unique “un-conference” model, an Edcamp is based on four main principles:

Participant-Driven – Educators choose what they want to discuss and what they want to learn. Session topics are generated by educators on the day of the Edcamp. Educators come with ideas, and—together with their peers—decide on what topics they want to cover with no formal leader.
Free to Attend – There are no fees associated with attending an Edcamp. All educators are welcome.
Experience Not Experts – All educator experiences are equally valued and respected. The Edcamp model taps into the wealth of experiences by providing a space for educators to share their ideas and thoughts with each other. Expertise is derived from collective and collaborative conversation.
Rule of Two Feet – If educators want to explore multiple topics or are not getting the professional learning they hoped for in a session, they are free and encouraged to move on to another session. In other words, they are encouraged to use their two feet and walk, skip or jet propel their way to a topic that speaks to their interests.

The Experience

At PBS KIDS Edcamp, the Learning Neighborhood audience explored six topics:

Kicking & Screaming: Let’s Talk About Tantrums
School Readiness
Socialization & Sharing
Connecting Schools & Families with SEL
SEL Strategies: KIDS
SEL Strategies: Adults & Community

Teachers and Administrators

100% of teachers and administrators reported that the PBS KIDS Edcamp met their professional development needs

FFNs

100% of FFNs expressed an interest in attending a follow-up educator event that built off of the topics explored at PBS KIDS Edcamp

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